Shielding Materials

Thanks to its high density, tungsten metal is suitable for radiation shielding/attenuation. X-rays and gamma rays penetrate very difficultly in tungsten-based materials. It is a non-toxic alternative to lead. Tungsten is used in nuclear medicine (isotope containers, radiography shields, x-ray collimators, cancer therapy machines, syringe shields for isotopes) but also in nuclear energy plants (Penetration caulking system). The powder is shaped by Press & Sinter, Metal Injection Molding, additive manufacturing, or used as filler in plastics, foams, and rubber.

Umicore supplies:

• Fine, medium-sized, and coarse tungsten powders from 1.5 µm to 25 µm with an excellent grain size distribution and a low level of impurities
• “Ready to press” high-density powders containing tungsten, nickel, copper, iron, or cobalt. Customized formulations are produced on demand